Down to Earth
Down to Earth in Lake Havasu: Arizona’s Playground
Arizona’s Playground from the ground up
While 400 miles of stunning coastline form Arizona’s West Coast, 1,800 miles of trails are perfect territory for hiking, cycling and off-roading in Arizona’s Playground—from the ground up.
Weather in the late fall through early spring is ideal for earth-based play in the region.
“While hiking opportunities abound throughout Arizona, it’s always my pleasure to roll into this lakeside town and prowl the network of trails. If a perfect day can be carved from a combination of sun, sky, water and stone, you’ll find it at Lake Havasu City.”Roger Naylor, author of Arizona State Parks: A Guide to Amazing Places in the Grand Canyon State
Roger Naylor, a freelance travel writer who writes exclusively about the Southwest, has hiked Arizona for decades. When it comes to his favorite hikes in and near Lake Havasu City, he has two on his do-not-miss list.
Naylor’s favorite local hikes are SARA Park’s Crack in the Mountain, a spectacular, kid-friendly slot canyon in SARA Park near town. Moderate in difficulty, sights along the way include knobby geological formations and, if you’re lucky, bighorn sheep. Your turnaround point is a Lake Havasu cove at Balance Rock.
Naylor also recommends Pilot Rock Trail, a beautiful open country desert hike. “Beautiful any time of year, Pilot Rock Trail has been a favorite of mine ever since I hiked it following a wet winter when the rough hillsides were splashed with colorful wildflowers,” he writes on GoHikeHavasu.com.
Advanced hikers may want to scale a landmark visible from the city—Cupcake Mountain. Cupcake Mountain Trail is a nearly five-mile, out-and-back path with an elevation gain of around 1,700 feet. The five-to-six hour trek yields spectacular views from Lake Havasu City's most famous natural photographic backdrop.
Biking Bliss
“Mountain biking has grown tremendously in popularity, especially since the Havasu Havoc bike race started bringing 500 racers to the city each year. We’re beginning to get on the map among the knobby tire set.”Craig Raney, owner of Havasu Bike & Fitness
Lake Havasu City’s mountainous terrain, long stretches of open road and numerous trails are perfect for all types of cycling and fitness levels. Tougher trails will challenge the adventurous, while level, well-paved paths are great for those looking for a relaxing ride.
With approximately 80 miles of varied terrain and beautiful views of the lake, city and mountain scenery, SARA Park has routes for every level of rider from kid-friendly to expert.
Watershed Loop is the park’s main trail. With gorgeous views of the lake and rock formations, it’s an intermediate 9-miler with a mix of ups and downs, S-tracks, straightaways and wide curves. You’ll find offshoots like Crool, the highly technical, double-black diamond; or Beer Bottle, the intermediate, which cuts across the middle of Watershed Loop to make it a shorter ride.
Friendly Fair Loop, right beside the parking lot, is as approachable as it sounds. Fun zigzags and switchbacks on undulating terrain give this route a roller coaster feel. If you’re just looking for a quick taste of casual mountain biking, this one is a good option.
Road cyclists will find plenty of paved paths throughout the city, and BMX riders will get their fix at Lake Havasu City BMX—a dirt track built for tricks.
Awesome off-roading
“In Havasu alone, we have hundreds, maybe thousands of miles of what were originally mining roads. They’re maybe a hundred years old, but they provide great access to some great backcountry.”Matt Young, owner of Havasu Adventure Company (HAC)
Rent or bring your off-road vehicle and explore more than 20 scenic networks of adventure-filled trails. Or let a local expert take the wheel as you adventure on a Jeep or ATV tour. For the ultimate off-road adventure, Lake Havasu City provides easy access to the Arizona Peace Trail: a 750-mile-long off-highway vehicle (OHV) loop that offers diverse terrain spanning the most beautiful parts of the southwestern U.S. deserts.
If you enjoy taking the road less traveled, here are some popular trails recommended by local off-road riders:
Located right outside city limits on the south side of Lake Havasu City, the Standard Wash area has 7,500 acres open to off-road recreation. The routes are on existing roads and trails in the low desert.
Swansea Road, 23 miles south of Parker in the town of Bouse, is an easy 23-mile road leading to Swansea Townsite. Once a booming mining town, Swansea Townsite is one of Arizona's most visited ghost towns and a popular OHV riding area with designated trails for all types of OHVs.
Tee-off on picturesque golf courses
Nothing beats teeing off or chipping onto iridescent golf greens among the scenic red rock mountains and shimmering waters of Lake Havasu and the Colorado River. Located in the heart of town along the water’s edge is the popular Bridgewater Links Golf Course with an executive, 9-hole course right in the heart of the action. The 18-hole par-72 championship golf course at Iron Wolf Golf and Country Club features beautiful green fairways, challenging rough and several elevation changes. For more details, check out area golf courses showcasing panoramic lake and mountain views.
If disc golfing is more your style, head across the London Bridge to the immaculate, 9-hole Grand Island Disc Golf Course with a beautiful setting on the island. Holes vary from shot to shot with some challenging doglegs and tree obstacles, but it’s all about fun here for seasoned pros and first-timers. There’s even a practice basket to sharpen your putting skills, and the course is free to play.
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